City to create development tool with assistance of IBM grant

The City of Reno will use technical assistance from IBM to develop a system that provides analysis of the city's economic development assets.

Mayor Bob Cashell said last week Reno is one of 100 cities globally to be selected in IBM's "Smarter City" grants program.

City Manager Andrew Clinger said the city envisions a software program, likely using geo-spatial technology, that will allow users to view multiple types of data on real estate parcels.

The data might include information on zoning and permits from the city's Community Development Department, information on taxes and details on utility, transportation, schools, housing and nearby demographics.

The information currently is available only by contacting several agencies, Clinger said.

The city hopes the new program will prove useful to economic development agencies and private-sector developers as well as officials of local government.

The city worked with Governor's Office of Economic Development, the University of Nevada, Reno, the Desert Research Institute, the Nevada Institute of Renewable Energy Commercialization, and the Economic Development Authority of Western Nevada to develop the grant program.

Reno was one of 100 cities selected by IBM from a field of 400 cities worldwide that applied for the grant.

"The City of Reno distinguished itself among itself peers by convincingly demonstrating its preparation and willingness to make the kind of improvements that will improve its residents' quality of life and become a smarter city," said Stanley S. Litow, IBM vice president of corporate citizenship and corporate Affairs.

The company will provide the expertise of its employees to work with city staff as they develop the analysis tool.